DID YOU READ

IFC News: Werner, toy franchises, “Joshua.”

Is there anything going on in the world today on a political level that you think may resonate with Dieter’s story?

We should be cautious, because there are an abundance of films that are anti-American or at least question American’s attitude in the world. Strangely enough, this is a film that praises the real qualities of America. In Dieter Dengler, you had the best you can find in America: courage, frontier spirit, loyalty, the joy of life. He’s the quintessential immigrant. He wanted to fly and America gave him wings. As you may know, I live in America, and it’s not for no reason. I like America, even though I see there’s trouble at the moment and turmoil. But in my opinion, America always has a kind of resilience and youthfulness to overcome all these things.

We pair up with Matt Singer to dig through our parents’ attics and come up with suggestions for 70s and 80s toy franchise film adaptations. Of a totally necessary "G.I. Joe" update (not counting the one currently in development): "As for the tone, we’re thinking ‘Armageddon’ with a dash of ‘The Right Stuff’ patriotism and some ‘Stripes’-style comedy from the Shipwreck character â€” is Ryan Reynolds available? We’ve already got the new version of the classic song written; we’re eyeing Linkin Park to record "Yo Joe! (2K7 Remix)."

There’s the "nature vs. nurture" argument, and I was always the nurture guy, that we really are influenced by our surroundings and become the people we are based on those influences. Now that I’m a parent, I don’t think that at all anymore. The day my oldest son was born, I felt like I knew who he was, and I feel like he’s become that person. All I can really do is screw that up. [laughs] It’s very scary that genes have so much to do with who we are â€” that’s a good and bad thing. It’s a stretch of the imagination and a primal fear that your kid is going to be a Joshua and associated with you whether it’s your fault or not, but I think it’s totally possible.

On the other hand, of course, we all hope in our hearts that if we plopped our middlebrow parents or neighbors or hockey-fan pals down in front of the right art film (someone, please, muster a better meta-genre title than this one), they’d see the truthfulness and wisdom and hidden beauty as we do. [Nuri Bilge] Ceylan‘s newest film, "Climates," is a good choice for the experiment â€” it couldn’t be clearer in its essaying the ordinary collapse of a long-term relationship, and yet the film communicates its emotional weather to us in ways that shock us with its secrets.

Matt Singer reviews "Rescue Dawn" ("the added information Dengler provided Herzog before his death might make the fictional ‘Rescue Dawn’ more truthful than the non-fiction ‘Little Dieter Needs to Fly,’ a very Herzogian notion indeed") here and "Joshua" ("one of the most effectively paranoid visions of New York City parenthood, well, ever") here.

The Best Of The Last

The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Your Portlandia Personality Test

Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the final countdown to Christmas and thanks to IFC’s movie marathon all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can revel in classic ’80s films AND find inspiration for your last-minute gifts. Here are our recommendations, if you need a head start:

Musical Instrument

Great analog entertainment substitute when you refuse to give your kid the Nintendo Switch they’ve been drooling over.

Breakfast In Bed

Any significant other or child would appreciate these Uncle Buck-approved flapjacks. Just make sure you’re not stuck on clean up duty.

Cocktail Supplies

You’ll need them to get through the holidays.

Dance Lessons

So you can learn to shake-shake-shake (unless you know ghosts willing to lend a hand).

Comfy Clothes

With all the holiday meals, there may be some…embigenning.

Get even more great inspiration all Christmas Eve and Day on IFC, and remember…